The Devils Dyke, Brighton

Sat at the top of the South Downs overlooking Sussex, and Hampshire on a clear day, The Devil’s Dyke is a Vintage Inns pub and restaurant, with the emphasis being on restaurant with the central bar counter being flanked by large dining areas. Premium keg is available and I counted five hand pumps. One was unused and the Wainwright and Rosie’s Pig cider were off, so the options were St Austell’s Tribute and Sharp’s Doom Bar. The service was polite, but I can see that at busy times there would be queues with people ordering food at the bar. This place is all about the views, so there are picnic tables around the exterior walls. If this was in the burbs I’d give it a 5, but the location deserves an extra point.

A Vintage Inn, in a very fine spot perched atop the South Downs. Located at the far extremity of a long dead-end road, but very busy in any kind of decent weather. Usual modernised yet semi-traditional furniture and decor as you would anticipate from this chain. Just Purity Mad Goose (£4.80, but you expect to pay a premium price in a location such as this) available from the five handpumps after a half-term weekend, but at least this was in good shape.